Cape Town, The Mother City

Cape Town is a coastal city South Africa’s Western Cape, home to the world-renowned Table Mountain. The Mother City is one of the most popular international tourist destinations in all of Africa owing to its wonderful climate, beautiful setting and thrilling attractions. The city is one of the most multicultural in the world and in the past has been voted the best city in the world by both The New York Times and The Daily Telegraph. The city is, in fact, the oldest in South Africa, with a cultural heritage extending more than 300 years. (Which is actually quite impressive for S.A!)

The city is a year-round destination that promises comfort, entertainment and beauty from winter through to summer. A vibrant and cosmopolitan city, Cape Town is the perfect place for any traveller.

Penguins at Boulders Beach. Credit: Jet Setting Fools.

Why We Love Cape Town

Cape Town is a hub of activity, a colourful city with a fusion of different people and cultures. From the usual tourist attractions like Table Mountain and Boulders Beach, to the impressive natural sights of Chapman’s Peak, a lively nightlife scene along Long Street, upmarket shopping at Canal Walk or immersing yourself in the culture at Greenmarket Square. With streets lined with chic bistros, beer gardens and boutique stores, Cape Town promises endless fun from morning ‘til evening every day of the year.

Getting There and About

Cape Town is easily accessible no matter what South Africa trip you are planning. For any trip starting in Cape Town, guests can fly in to Cape Town International Airport. For a Garden Route trip that ends in Cape Town, guests can drive along the coast, past multiple towns and cities, until they reach the Mother City. Once in Cape Town, a great way to get about is the MyCiTi bus. The hop-on-hop-off bus visits the main tourist attractions and well-known areas, and is a very affordable way to see the best of the city.

Chapman’s Peak. Credit: Two and a Half Backpackers.

Accommodation and Activities

A wide variety of accommodation is available in Cape Town, ranging from guest houses and B&B’s to self-catering apartments and luxury hotels. Accommodation varies in price and standard, but there really is something for every type of budget. Some of the most popular areas include Camps Bay, De Waterkant, Gardens or Tamboerskloof.

Whether you’re looking for history and culture, food and drink, shopping and entertainment or beautiful scenery, Cape Town is a place where there’s too much to do and not enough time. Immerse yourself in nature with a hike up Table Mountain or a walk around Kirstenbosch Gardens. Go shopping at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. See the penguins in Hout Bay and soak up some culture with a tour to Robben Island.

The Blue House: The guest house is situated in Tamboerskloof within easy walking distance of the famous Long Street, as well as a number of cafes, restaurants and bars. Blue House offers comfortable accommodation in Economic, Standard and Superior rooms. Delicious breakfasts are served on the terrace overlooking the city.

Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa:Twelve Apostles is an award-winning 5-Star hotel in Camps Bay. The hotel offers accommodation in 70 guest rooms and features a spa and private cinema. The hotel also offers fine dining in their Azure Restaurant and chilled drinks in their Leopard Bar.

AM 408 Kylemore: Kylemore is a two-bedroom self-catering apartment in the V&A Marina along the waterfront. The apartment is spacious and well-appointed, and features a kitchen, dining and TV room, two bathrooms and a balcony. With glorious views over the canal, 408 on Kylemore has a spectacular location.

Packages

No trip to South Africa could be complete without a visit to Cape Town. Whether it’s a starting point along the Garden Route or paired with an African safari, Cape Town is a must-see. All of our packages are tailor-made to fit our guests’ personal needs, budget and time-frame, and no two packages will ever be the same!

Below are two example of some of our many packages:

10 Day Winelands and Safari: R 29 000 / USD 2 170 / GBP 1 750 / EUR 1 965 Our 10 day package includes 4 nights in Cape Town and 2 nights in Franschhoek. The trip ends with 3 nights in Pumba Private Game Reserve. Includes accommodation on a B&B basis in Cape Town and Franschhoek, all meals, select drinks + daily game drives at Pumba, return transfers from Port Elizabeth to Pumba.

Cassidy Pautz is the Social Media and Content Manager for East Cape Tours. She studied in Port Elizabeth, where she received her BA Degree in Media, Communication and Culture. When she doesn't have a glass of wine in her hand or her nose in a book, you'll find her in the kitchen, cooking up a storm and presumably making a mess.